Reducing Ferry Boat Emissions In New York Harbor National Idling Reduction Conference Albany, New York May 17-19, 2004 Frank S. Ralbovsky Project Manager, Transportation and Power Systems R&D New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
NYC Harbor Ferry Profile Highlights: More than 130,000 commuters per day use the ferry system Approx. 34,000 passengers/day transported by private ferries (pre 9/11) Approx. 65,000 passengers/day transported by private ferries (post 9/11)
NYC Harbor Private Ferry Fleet Operators Three main private ferry operators Total population of 40 vessels Power ranging from 1,200 to 7,500 hp
Other Ferry Fleets Public Transit Staten Island Ferry New York City DOT Operated Specialty Tours Circle Line
Programmatic Driving Forces Marine emissions have been substantially less regulated, than the on-highway and off-road vehicle sectors Even with new federal regulations for off-road and marine engines appearing on the horizon The regulations will apply only to new engines The long life of diesel engines will keep older, dirtier engines in service for many years after the new regulations kick in Marine emissions reductions on existing engines are on a voluntary basis in the meantime
NYSERDA Programs NYSERDA programs are addressing both the retrofitting of existing engines plus developing advanced technologies for new vessels
Current NYSERDA Thrusts Retrofitting Current Vessels, Engines and Fuels More Efficient Operations of Current Vessels Design for Advanced Vessels, Propulsion Systems, and Fuels NYCDOT/NYSERDA Private Ferry Emissions Reduction Program NYSERDA Strong Arm Ferry Docker Program NYSERDA Green Ferry Alternatives Program and Hybrid Marine Propulsion Program
NYCDOT/NYSERDA Private Ferry Emissions Reduction Program Objectives: Reduce private ferry fleet emissions Focus on NOx reductions, also particulate (PM2.5) Aim at near term results not new boat construction Ultimate widespread deployment Genesis: Successful NYCDOT CMAQ proposal (FHWA funding) Outreach to NYSERDA for program management support Substantial additional funding from FTA Strong support and coordination from EPA
Private Ferry Emissions Reduction Program Players Program Management: NYSERDA - New York State Energy Research and Development Authority NYCDOT - New York City Department of Transportation Phase 1 Engineering Contracting Team: Seaworthy Systems, Inc., with subcontractors: NESCAUM, Environment Canada, ESI Project Advisory Group: NYSDOT - New York State Department of Transportation NYSDEC New York State Department of Environmental Conservation PANYNJ - Port Authority of New York/New Jersey NJDOT New Jersey Department of Transportation EPA - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency FTA - Federal Transit Administration EDF - Environmental Defense MARAD Maritime Administration USCG - U.S. Coast Guard Universities - Rutgers, U.Delaware, Rochester Institute of Technology Private Ferry Operators: NY Waterway; SeaStreak; NY Water Taxi
Private Ferry Emissions Reduction Program Project Scope Phase 1: Technology Analysis and Demonstrations (approx $1 mil) Survey of private ferry fleets Baseline data collection Engineering analysis of emissions reduction options and downselection of optimum technologies Demonstration/validation of selected technologies Phase 2: Deployment (approx $5 mil) Incentives to fleet operators to implement technologies
Private Ferry Emissions Reduction Program Types of Emissions Reduction Measures Open to all major approaches, but focus is on readily available technologies, not developmental approaches Exhaust gas treatment (SCR, particulate traps, oxidation catalysts, etc.) Alternatives (drop-in replacements) to marine diesel fuel (ULSD, diesel/water emulsifications) Engine modifications, operational changes (EGR, timing changes, etc.) Other technologies, and combinations of the above
Private Ferry Emissions Reduction Program Project Status Phase 1 Technology Analysis and Demonstration is currently underway Survey of private ferry fleets is complete Engineering analysis of emissions reduction options and downselection of optimum technologies is currently underway Data logging and baseline emissions testing have been performed An early demonstration of ultra low sulfur diesel fuel has recently been completed 4 representative ferries Completion of technology selections and demonstrations are scheduled for this fall, to be followed by issuance of the second phase deployment program solicitation
Private Ferry Emissions Reduction Program; ULSD Demonstration
Staten Island Ferry Emissions Reduction Program A parallel program, spearheaded by the New York City DOT and the Port Authority of NY/NJ, and synergistic with the private ferry project NYSERDA is one of several project advisors Objective: Demonstrate and ultimately implement retrofit technologies to reduce NOx and PM on large NYCDOT-operated Staten Island Ferries Selective Catalytic Reduction demonstration planned for this summer Protocols developed in this project for data logging and emissions monitoring are being used in the NYSERDA/NYCDOT Private Ferry Program
Strong Arm Docker Program A NYSERDA initiated and funded project Objective: Establish the feasibility of a mechanical quick-docking system for ferry vessels Status: Contractor selected, initial benefits analysis completed; concept design effort underway Benefits: In NYC harbor, with many cross-river routes, up to one-half of the vessel s duty cycle can be in push mode, i.e., using high propulsive power to hold vessel against dock during passenger loading and unloading. By rapid mechanical docking, and going to idle rather than propulsive push mode, substantial fuel savings and emissions reductions can be obtained
Advanced Initiatives Applicable to New Vessels Two additional NYSERDA initiated and funded projects Green Ferry Alternatives Objective: Broad study of all options for energy and environmental optimization hull designs, propulsion systems, fuels Status: Team formed, initial NYC fleet characteristics identified as baseline; literature search completed; options being studied Hybrid Marine Propulsion Objective: Develop and demonstrate an advanced, hybrid propulsion system for ferry class vessel Status: Contractor selected; identification of duty cycle and propulsion options in initial stages
Thank You! Questions and Feedback Contact Information for related NYSERDA Marine and Environmental R&D programs: NYSERDA Transportation R&D Program Richard Drake, Program Manager (518/862-1090 1090 x3258) Frank Ralbovsky,, Project Manager (518/862-1090 1090 x3260) NYSERDA Environmental R&D Program Janet Joseph, Program Manager (518/862-1090 1090 x3296) Ellen Burkhard,, Project Manager (518/862-1090 1090 x3296)